Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1887-01-26
What is it, Millerp Out

| uhs"SLeu NllIef, anu ali was ready at
three o'clock yesterday. The metal
was in huge iron pot which some
workmen were swinging by crane in
J to ~plaee to pour, when chain parted
and the molten mass was spilled onto
two ofthe men, killing them instantly"
what did tell you. Parker, what
did tell you?' asked Mr. Giles in an
excited manner Didn't say it would
bring evil? Here are two good lives
sacrificed, and there may be more.
There may be more.
They will try again next week."
said the clerk.
''Ihey had better stop right where
they are. They had better STOP" an
swered Mr. Giles
Mr., Parker had nothing further to
say at that time. He was much affect
ed and began to fear. that perhaps Mr..
Giles was right. But on that day two
weeks he had forgotten his fears and
entering St. Agnes Inn saids The
bell is here, and will be hung to-mor-
row, 1t is so large we must build
scatfolding and take it up outside of
the tower, and let it down through The
roof. You must come and see us hang
it. There vii. be a fire in the church
! stove to keep your fingers warm"
The shadow of the church shall
never fall on me after the bell is on the
ground said MIR. Giles. But will
| be there"
That is right, Giles. Come and
hear the bell ring out a merry laugh at
your fears"
The next morning the bell was depos-
tied at the foot of st. Agnes tower, and
the men who had gathered at the
church were warming themselves at
the tire inside, waiting for those who
had not yet come. When Mr.. Giles
came he did not go near the church.
but stood some distance from the tow
er' looking upon the bell in d half
frightened manner, ms though it were
some BRASS awed and iron iawed wild
beast ready to spring on him. To Mr..
Giles it was not senseless mass of
metal, but the incarnation of Silas
Humphreys evil deeds. He was
frightened at the very thought of its
blasphemous voice calling Gods wor-
shippers together He was startled by
the cheerful voice of Mr.. Parker be-
hind him.
Come, Giles" said Mr.. Parker,
''don,t stand here freezing this cold
morning, but lend a hand, and we will
have the bell, in place in no time"
No, Parker, no! Not l, l Wouldn't
touch hand to the thing for all the
royal treasure"
Then stay where you are. and in
half an hour you will see the bell swing
ing, and hear its voice laughing at YOU"
Mr.. Parker said as he went towards the |
church.
MIR. Giles stood looking at the bell,
while the men prepared to put it in |
position. Mr.. Parker took his place at
the top of the tower beside an i'm |
promptu crane which had been erected |
with its projecting arm reaching beyond
the wall, and holding suspended rope
which was to raise the bell All was
made ready. One end of the rope was
secured to the bell, while the other,
which had been run over pulley on the
crane above, was fastened to a windlass
on the ground. Eight men seized the
arms of the windlass and walked slowly
around with it. The bell began to rise
and was soon swinging clear. Higher
and higher it went, while Mr. Parker
above allowed the rope to pass between
his hands, and gave directions to the
men below.
Mr. Giles stood speeches., shading
his eyes and watching this monster of
bell suspended between earth and
sky. The thought came into his mind
that such should have been the fate of
Silas Humphrey.
The bell reached the top of the
tower, and slowly rising was soon
above it. Mr. Parker took firm hold
of the rope with one hand and called
for help to swing the bell over the par
apet, that it might be lowered to the
down to Mr.. Giles, and waved his
hand exultingly. Was it only imagi-
nation that caused Mr.. Giles to think
the crane was vibrating, or was it actu-
ally moving? He thought he saw it
leaning toward the church and Mr..
Parker appeared to be us ne his strength
to stay it. 1t was no Imagination.
The crane was topping and being drag
ged by the weight of the bell. What
was Mr.. Parker's strength compared
with the gravity of that mass of brass?
Nothing. The fastenings once loosened
twenty men could not have held it, 1t
must 90. Mr.. Giles saw this, and cried
out with alarm. The men below Jump
ed from under, and the ponderous bell
and rope and crane swung partly
around, with Mr.. Parker still clinging
on. He loosened his hold, but too
late. He had been dragged beyond his
balance, and conscious man went down
with senseless metal. Not onto the
ground, but onto and through the
church roof. The men rushed inside,
and cry of ''fre!'' was raised. The I
bell had struck the stove, crushing it
to the floor and scattering the burning
Goals, which lighted the surrounding
wood. Soon the church was filled
with smoke and flame. Water came
too late. The church was doomed.
The men could not do nothing but
stand by and watch the devouring
flames destroy the temple of worship
and leave nothing standing save few
Jagged pieces of wall.
Il told you so, told you So" said
Mr.. Giles. Poor Parker wouldn't
believe me, and now where is he?
Dead! His life sacr feed and the church
destroyed, all on account of the &C
cursed bell, which | knew could bring
only evil.
When the fire subsidized Mr.. Parker's
bones were found beside the bell, which
was cracked from rim to top, and lay ,
in the ground. Not man
was found who would touch it. There
it was left among the ruins of St.
Agnes on the ground it had cursed.
And there it lies to this day, amid desc
ation to- be avoided, especially after
nightfall excepting by the ghost of
5ilas Humphrey, which is to haunt the ,
spot, and with its skeleton hand to ,
Nightly strike the hour of twelve on {
he almost voiceless bell.- Chicago l
Herald. +,